Top Tips For Avoiding Bad Breath

Bad breath is a huge concern for so many people. Often causing feelings of embarrassment and potentially impacting first impressions, most people want to avoid getting bad breath. From morning breath to bad breath after eating and mouth health concerns, there’s several times when a person may experience bad breath but also many causes of bad breath. In this article we will explain why bad breath occurs and how best to avoid it. 

Why Does Bad Breath Occur?

There’s not a one size fits all explanation for why bad breath (halitosis) occurs. In fact, it can stem from simply eating powerful foods to smoking, to more complex issues such as gum disease or an infection in your mouth. Knowing what may be causing your bad breath provides the first step in sourcing the correct solution. What we do know is that the bad smell is caused by a bacteria build up in your mouth and on your tongue. Since it is a sulphur-producing bacteria, the bad smell occurs. 

If you are experiencing bad breath on a daily basis, despite regularly brushing your teeth, it’s time to visit your dentist for a quick check up. During your appointment they will assess your mouth, teeth and gums to identify the cause. If you have any dental problems, such as gum disease, they can offer you expert advice and guidance, as well as a list of dental treatments to fix the problem and prevent your bad breath from returning. 

Beyond professional intervention, maintaining a diligent at-home routine is vital for keeping sulfur-producing bacteria at bay between appointments. According to this dentist who does quality dental implants in Springfield VA, this includes not only thorough brushing and flossing but also paying attention to tongue cleaning, as the tongue’s surface can harbor the majority of odor-causing microbes

Bad Breath From Eating 

If you have a simple case of bad breath from eating a smelly food, perhaps garlic or onions, there’s some quick and simple solutions to freshen up your breath. 

Firstly, start by brushing your teeth using a fluoride toothpaste. Secondly, take a tongue scraper and clean your tongue, helping to remove any bacteria in your mouth. If you continue to notice the smell, be sure to clean between your teeth using floss or interdental brushes. 

Often the smell of food in your mouth can last several hours, however stronger-smelling foods can last up to 3 days, so it is important to  maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine so that both you and others aren’t still smelling old food on your breath after every meal.

Should You Brush Your Teeth Directly After Eating? 

While you may be tempted to run directly to the bathroom to avoid smelly breath after eating, It’s best to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after a meal. This allows your saliva to neutralise the acids in your mouth and prevents enamel erosion that can occur if you brush immediately after meals. 

5 Ways To Avoid Bad Breath 

In order to prevent bad breath, you can do the following: 

• Maintain a regular oral hygiene routine, brushing at least twice a day 
• Incorporate a tongue scraper into your routine for thorough cleansing of your tongue and mouth 
• Be sure to remove food remnants from between your teeth using floss 
• Brush using fluoride toothpaste and consider dental mouthwash 
• Get routine dental check ups
•  and make an annual visit to your oral hygienist to check for underlying health concerns and to keep your teeth clean. 

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.